Piston-ring compressor



1927. Jan 25 F. MOORE PISTON RING COMPRESSOR Filed Aug. 21, 1922 Patented Jan. 25, 1927.

UNITED STATES FRANK L. MOORE, OF TRUMANSBURG, NEW YORK.

PISTON-RING COMPRESSOR.

Application filed August 21, 1922. Serial No. 583,238.

My invention relates to attachments for internal combustion and other engines, and has for its object the production of improved means for compressing piston rings when fitting the piston into its cylinder. Briefly stated, the invention involves the use of an elastic ring which is operated by drawing it over the end of the piston which is then placed in the cylinder and pushed down through the ring. It works from either the top or bottom end of the crank case, and is preferably constructed so that it can be opened and again closed together if necessary, and is also preferably adjustable to a number of different sizes of pistons.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in Which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a piston in position to be inserted in its cylinder, parts being in section;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the compressor ring; and

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a coupling for the same.

Referring to the drawings, and particu larly to Flg. 1, 1 indicates a portion of a cylinder in section; 2 the piston fitting the same; 3 the piston rings; and 4 my compressor ring applied to the lower end of the so piston.

Referring to Fig. 2, the compressor con sists of a ring formed of strong resilient material, such as helically coiled steel spring wire. The two ends of the helix are connected to form a ring by means of a screw coupling plug 5 over which I clamp a brass sleeve 6, the principal function of which is to receive stamping indicating the size, make, etc, but which when in place also serves to prevent accidental displacement of the ends of the helix from the ends of the coupling plug or slip of the latter.

The method of operation with this tool is as follows: The compressor 4 is drawn over the end of the piston (see Fig. 1), which is then placed in the cylinder and pushed down through the compressor, which works like a roller. In passing the piston down through its compressor ring the latter engages also the edge of each piston ring in turn and rolls it into place.

In the drawing I have shown piston 2 without connecting rod or crank shaft attachments, so that when the piston is in place the compressor can be removed without opening it. In the event that the piston has connecting parts attached to it, however, the compressor ring can be opened after the operation is completed, by detaohin the two ends from each other atv the coupling 5.

An advantage of this arrangement is the elimination of friction, and it should be noted that the device Works from either the top or bottom end of the crank case. Its re siliency also makes it adjustable to pistons of different sizes.

The function of this ring involves the use of its resilience to produce a compression strain and its rolling in a vortical figure to eliminate friction.

I claim:

1. A piston ring compressor for fitting a piston in its cylinder, said piston having rings arranged around the same, which when not compressed, expand to a larger diameter than that of the cylinder bore, said compressor composed of resilient material in the form of a spring ring having an internal diameter so related to that of the cylinder bore that it may be rested upon the head of the cylinder around the bore and will then allow the piston to be passed through it, and adapted thereupon to roll upon itself upon the piston and upon the cylinder head, and to present a continuous rolling surface in the manner of a vortex ring in continuous and direct contact with the cylinder head and under tension around the piston, strong enough to compress the piston rings as they pass through it into the cylinder.

2. A piston ring compressor for fitting a piston in its cylinder, said piston having rings arranged around the same, which when not compressed, expand to a larger diameter than that of the cylinder bore, said compressor comprising a ring formed of a con tinuous helix of spring wire, having an in ternal diameter so related to that of the cylinder bore that it may be rested upon the head of the cylinder around the bore, and will then allow the piston to be passed through it, and adapted thereupon to roll upon itself and upon the cylinder head and present a continuous rolling surface in the manner of a vortex ring in continuous and direct contact with the cylinder head and to exert tension around the piston strong enough to compress the piston rings as they pass through it into the cylinder.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

FRANK L. MOORE. 

